Latvia: Stricter rules on workplace language requirements planned

The social and labour affairs committee of the Latvian parliament, the Saeima, has approved amendments that would introduce stricter rules on workplace language requirements, LSM reports. The amendments aim to strengthen the role of the Latvian language in the labour market. Many employers in Latvia still require that staff speak Russian. The amendments stipulate that foreign language skills cannot be required in work related to the production of goods or services for the domestic market. Employers will not be allowed to ask about foreign language skills in a job interview if they are not essential for the specific job duties. Also, employers will have to justify any requirement for foreign language skills in job advertisements. If approved in a third and final reading in parliament, the amendments could come into force in 2025.